Education
Veritas University Student Joins Microsoft MVP Global Summit
By Benjamin Abioye

Izuafa Abdulrafiu, a 300-level Software Engineering student at Veritas University, has been selected as a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) and invited to attend the prestigious Microsoft MVP Global Summit in the United States.
At just 18 years old, Abdulrafiu joins other MVPs from around the world for a three-day event to engage with product teams, discuss cutting-edge technologies, and contribute to the Microsoft ecosystem.
Abdulrafiu’s remarkable journey includes his impressive achievements in his academic career. In his second year, he won first place in the Africa First AI-Powered Inter-University Quizathon. The competition, which saw over 150 universities from Nigeria and more than 7,000 participants, tested students on various courses based on the National Universities Commission (NUC) curriculum. The event lasted five hours, from 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday, June 22, and Abdulrafiu answered the maximum number of questions correctly within 25 minutes, ultimately securing a cash prize of N350,000. According to the organizers, “Abdulrafiu’s intelligence, consistency, and tenacity led him to the top of the leaderboard, securing the overall winner title.”
Reflecting on his experience as a Microsoft MVP, Abdulrafiu shared, “I recently had the incredible opportunity to attend the Microsoft MVP Global Summit in the United States, an exclusive event where Microsoft brings together MVPs from around the world to engage with product teams, discuss new technologies, and contribute to the Microsoft ecosystem.”
He continued, “At just 18 years old, I became the youngest Microsoft MVP globally, which was a huge milestone in my journey as a tech professional. Being an MVP means consistently contributing to Microsoft technologies, sharing knowledge, and engaging with the developer community. My work in emerging technologies, particularly AI, played a key role in securing my MVP status and, in turn, my invitation to this summit.”
The summit, which lasted three days, was fully sponsored by Microsoft, covering travel, accommodation, and participation costs. Abdulrafiu had the chance to interact directly with Microsoft leaders, engineers, and fellow MVPs, discussing innovative technologies and exploring the future of Microsoft products. While he was unable to disclose specific details due to Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), he emphasized the value of the experience. “It was an amazing experience where I had the chance to interact directly with Microsoft leaders, engineers, and fellow MVPs from all over the world. We discussed cutting-edge innovations, shared insights, and explored the future of Microsoft technologies,” he said.
Abdulrafiu also noted, “From Nigeria, I can estimate that there were about three to four of us in attendance, though I don’t have the exact numbers. Additionally, I believe some other Nigerians who reside in different countries also participated in the summit, highlighting the strong presence of Nigerian talent in the global tech space.”
Looking back at the summit, Abdulrafiu expressed his gratitude and excitement for the future. “Overall, the Microsoft MVP Global Summit was an inspiring and career-defining experience for me. It reinforced my passion for technology and my commitment to contributing to the Microsoft community. The connections I made and the knowledge I gained will undoubtedly shape my journey moving forward. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited about what’s ahead!”
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